When will the Community Emergency Hub be open?

Community Emergency Hubs are opened by their community when assistance is required to deal with the impact of an emergency event. 

How do I volunteer to be a street representative?

Complete the following form and the CRG committee will review the applications and confirm acceptance.

Can I join the Hāwea Community Resilience Group?

The group is run by local volunteers, some based in Lake Hāwea, others in Hāwea flat.  Please complete the following form and we will contact you to discuss.

Will there be a Civil Defence Centre (CDC) set up in Hāwea?

It would be up to the Emergency Operations Centre to decide where a Civil Defence Centre (CDC) would be in Hāwea – and it may well be in the Lake Hāwea Community Centre, and run alongside the Community Emergency Hub.

Who would man a Civil Defence Centre?

The CDC would be manned by trained and vetted personnel (not members of the CRG) and would probably include representatives from government and support agencies.

Will the Community Resilience Group provide my family with food?

No. Our role is simply to collect information about the situation on the ground and report to our Emergency Operations Centre in Wanaka. We will also communicate with Hāwea residences on our status.

Will there be medical help available?

Yes. While it is not part of the CRG's mandate, there are a team of retired doctors and nurses in our community that will do there best to provide assistance.  

Can I get help for my pets?

Yes. While it is not part of the CRG's mandate, there are a team available which will include a vet and nurse. A system is available to report lost pets as well as found pets.

Is liquefaction an issue for Hāwea?

Liquefaction is the process which causes soil to behave more like a liquid than a solid during an earthquake.  Liquefaction is not a concern for the Hāwea district.

Will Lake Hāwea’s sewage system work after an earthquake?

Lake Hāwea’s sewage system includes a central pump station and a backup generator designed to provide limited operational support during short-term outages. However, in the event of a major earthquake, the system is likely to experience significant disruption.

Earthquake activity can severely damage underground sewage infrastructure, including both main lines and individual household connections. Homes built on concrete slabs are particularly vulnerable—ground movement may cause pipes to shift or break, resulting in the loss of connection to the network. In such cases, even if the central system remains partially functional, many properties may not be able to use it safely.

Residents should assume that the sewage system may not be operational following a large earthquake and are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid flushing toilets or draining water unless absolutely necessary.

• Do not flush non-biodegradable items, fats, or other substances that could worsen blockages.

• Prepare alternative sanitation options, such as chemical toilets, lined buckets with tight-fitting lids, or portable camping toilets. 

• Follow official guidance from the council and emergency services regarding sanitation and water use. 

• Do not attempt to repair or reconnect broken sewage lines yourself. Wait for professional assessment and repair.

To support the community during the recovery period—which may last several months—a designated dump station is planned near the existing sewage pond, located above the green waste station. This facility will allow residents to safely dispose of collected wastewater and chemical toilet contents.